"I wish you were here yourself," he wrote to Grant-a compliment that the little LieutenantGeneral may be proud to point to. "If things are pressed," he added, "I think Lee will surrender."

On the con

his good fortune on that day.
trary, his friends soon after had reason to im-
agine that he was again under a cloud. It
was but a few months after this memorable
battle that Gordon Granger and Sheridan were
relieved of their commands. It was generally
known that Granger had offended Grant by his
delay in moving with Sherman to Burnside's
aid at Knoxville, and it was supposed that both
he and Sheridan were
-." Sheridan
passed through Nashville without exactly know-
ing his destination, except that it was Washing-
ton City. The announcement was soon made,
however, that he had been placed in command
of all of Grant's cavalry on the Potomac, and
those who knew him learned to appreciate more
highly the clearness with which Grant read the
characters of his subordinates. Returning Sher-
idan to the cavalry service was not by any means
the least important of Grant's services to the
country. If in the reorganization of the army
which must soon follow the close of the late war
Halleck is intrusted with the organization of the

"Press things," was Grant's order. It need ed no other. Sheridan pushed forward rapidly, struck right and left, punishing the enemy wherever found, and at last forcing Lee to surrender. Chattanooga was the battle in which Sheridan caught the eye of Grant, who there selected him without hesitation for the important position which he subsequently filled. Sheridan's Division formed the right of the centre column which, in the battles at Chattanooga, November 23, 24, and 25, 1863, assaulted and carried Mission Ridge, and, breaking the rebel centre, won the victory. His men were kept in position waiting for the signal to assault for over thirty-six hours; and they and their leader had grown very nervous, half fearing the battle would be won too soon by the others, and the chance for glory stolen from them, when, at last, the wished-for signal came, and away went the as-materiel and Grant with the selection of the saulting columns. General T. J. Wood commanded the other, and he and Sheridan strove with a lofty ambition, in which there was nothing that a saint could condemn, to reach the summit first. Sheridan gloried in the deed. He could not contain himself, and yet he rode along the front line, half leading, half directing his men, as clear-headed as if the cross-fire of the twenty rebel batteries that opened upon his men were directed against charmed lives, and he knew them to be futile as against him. During the charge he took a canteen of whisky from his aid, Captain Avery, and filling a cup which he carried, raised it with a gesture toward Bragg's head-quarters, which were plainly visible on the mountain crest, saying, "How are you, Mr. Bragg?" Before he could drink the liquor a rifle-ball carried away cup and beverage. There was no time for more; and exclaiming, "That's damned ungenerous!" Sheridan spurred forward, and soon again formed part of his front line. His horse was killed under him, and he led the remainder of the assault on foot, reaching the summit with the first, and as horses were not plentiful on the ridge he sprang upon one of the fifty captured guns, swinging his sword over his head, and shouting for joy with his men, while, at the same moment, he poured invective after invective on the heads of the rebels whom he was unable to pursue. Before the battle was ended Grant, having left his head-quarters in Orchard Knobb, rode along the summit of the ridge, and before the fire of the enemy had ceased he had marked Sheridan for future use. Chattanooga was the flood-tide of his fortunes, and, without knowing it at the time, he that day launched his bark anew. Henceforth his abilities were not to be lost by his being made subordinate to men of inferior calibre. He was henceforth to win great successes, not retrieve in some degree the great disasters of others.

Sheridan did not know for months after of

personnel, the United States will very soon have an army which, when embracing such a general as Grant, such lieutenant-generals as Sherman, Thomas, Canby, and Sheridan, such major-generals as Hancock, Hooker, M'Dowell, Howard, Hunter, Burnside, Ord, Slocum, Stoneman, Reynolds, Meade, and many others who have won the rank, will be inferior to none in the world. The past four years of experience, and the imperative duty of the nation to provide for those who have so nobly served the country, as well as the necessity which must exist for the retention of a large force, will strongly suggest the reorganization of the army by the establishment of the ranks of general and lieutenant-general. Three corps of infantry, each twenty-five or even thirty-five thousand strong, under Sherman, Thomas, and Canby, and one of cavalry of the same strength under Sheridan as lieutenant-generals, would be an army which even Grant as general might be proud to command. No people on the face of the globe can at this time furnish superior personnel for such an army.

It was not intended, in the scope of this article, to give a detailed statement of the events of Sheridan's life. The purpose was rather to make the public more familiar with his character than his history. The reference which has been made to his early career was thought necessary, as filling up a blank existing in the sketches which have been hitherto written of him. The prominent points of his late career are well known to all. His cavalry operations in Virginia, his assumption of the command in the Shenandoah Valley, known as the Middle Military Division, his brilliant battle at Winchester, and the wonderful effect of his presence at Cedar Run, as well as the later deeds at Five Forks and the pursuit of Lee, are tales too lately told to need repetition here. The affairs of Cedar Run and Winchester have been admirably described

even to those who have seen the "belligerent cadet" in the midst of battles; and to one who has never witnessed the singular effect which the reception of orders to attack have on men, it will still remain incredible how he so far restored the confidence and morale of his troops as to enable him on that occasion to snatch victory from defeat.

There was some occasion for the display of the same personal daring and the exercise of the same influence by example, on the part of Sheridan, at the battle of Five Forks. His presence on every part of that contested field, it is now generally conceded, had as much to do as generalship with the final result of that battle, where every thing depended on the persistence of the attack on the weak point which Sheridan had discovered. It is doubtful if success would have followed the efforts of a general who had been content to direct the battle. Sheridan led. He was in the front line, under the heaviest fire, at all times, waving his sword, encouraging his men, exhorting them to incredible deeds, and, as usual, swearing at a fearful rate, alternately at the enemy and his own skulkers. He is represented by those present as the "imper

by Captain De Forest in this Magazine.* And it is to be regretted that he did not devote a page or two to the thorough analysis of the wonderful effect which Sheridan's presence had upon his men during the rout at Cedar Run. It can not be accounted for on any theory, however philosophical, framed by a person who was not an eye-witness; while it might be comprehended in the light of a minute and graphic description of the manner of the General on that occasion. His success in restoring order, and then confidence, was doubtless due to his decisive manner; while the subsequent restoration of morale was owing to the promptness with which the offensive was resumed. The control which Sheridan then held over his men is certainly very remarkable, in view of the short time during which he had commanded them, and the condition in which he found them on this day. Absent at the beginning of the battle of Cedar Creek, it will be remembered that he pushed forward to the front to find his troops routed and retreating rapidly, and, although not pursued, much demoralized. His presence seemed to inspire the men with a new purpose, and in an incredible short space of time he had them reformed in line and ready to receive the on-sonation of every thing soldierly." He rode up slaught of the enemy. But the enemy, intent and down the lines, under fire, continually wavon rifling the captured camps, had not pursued ing his sword, commanding in person, exhorting in force, and Sheridan found waiting was in them to seize the opportunity within their grasp, vain. The confidence of the troops had been and sweep their enemies to destruction. It is restored by the presence of their leader, the related of him, and the story is characteristic facility with which he re-established the broken enough to be true, that at the conclusion of the lines, and the cheering language and encour- first day's unsuccessful battle at Five Forks, aging tone of his conversation and orders. He while striding up and down in front of his field fully re-established the morale of the men when, head-quarters, apparently absorbed in deep and finding the enemy failed to pursue, he ordered calm thought, he suddenly startled his staff by an advance. The fact that he did advance on breaking out in a series of horrible oaths, in the same day of the rout serves to show, among which he swore he would carry the rebel lines Sheridan's other great qualities as a leader, his next day or "sink innumerable fathoms into decision and daring. There are few generals, hell." Sheridan's oaths are fearful; but one in our own or any other service, who would have can easily find it in his heart to forgive them. conceived the idea, or for a moment entertained They are merely the emphasis to his language. the purpose of immediately resuming the offens- Oaths are said to be fools' arguments. Sheriive. Two years before pursuit after a victory, dan throws them at one in a discussion not from not to mention pursuit after a defeat, was held a want of more forcible arguments, but from a to be impossible. The fact that Sheridan was lack of patience to await the slow process of able on this occasion to resume the offensive with logical conclusions. He heartily despises a complete success shows how absolute was the council of war, and never forms part of one if confidence of the men in this comparative stran- he can avoid it. He executes, not originates ger who had plead, entreated, cursed, and brow- plans; or, as Rosecrans once expressed it, "He beat the flying army into order again. The mag- fights-he fights!" Whatever is given Sheridan nificent ride from Winchester to the field, which to do is accomplished thoroughly. He will not at the time was made in all the accounts the stop to criticise the practicability of an order salient feature of the battle, grows common- in its details, but does not hesitate to vary place when compared to "Little Phil's" ride his movements when he finds those laid down among the routed masses of his corps. He for him are not practicable. He does not may be said to have been every where at once, abandon the task because the mode which has for his presence was felt in every battalion. been ordered is rendered impossible by any unHis orders, so brilliantly illustrated and varied expected event. If the result is accomplished by his peculiar and numerous oaths, found their Sheridan does not care whose means were emnatural echoes in the cheers of the men in whose ployed, or on whom the credit is reflected. He hearts his presence restored confidence. The grasps the result and congratulates himself, the rapidity with which he rallied his broken lines strategist of the occasion, and the men, with and brought order out of chaos is incredible equal gratification and every evidence of delight. ⚫ January and February, 1865. His generous care for the reputation of his sub

the Marshal Neys of the war for the Union-as
the representative of that class of fighting gen-
erals in which Hancock, Rousseau, Hooker,
and Logan are among the most distinguished.
These generals have the same character among
the men with whom they have served as Sheri-
dan has throughout the whole country.
eral L. H. Rousseau was by far the most popu-

Gen

ordinates, his freedom from all petty jealousy, his honesty of purpose, and the nobleness of his ambition to serve the country and not himself, his geniality and general good-humor, and the brevity of his black storms of anger, make him, like Grant, not only a well-beloved leader, but one that the country can safely trust to guard its honor and preserve its existence. It is easy for one who knows either of the two-Grant and Sheridan-lar general who ever served with the army of to believe it possible that, during all the period in which they have held such supreme power in our armies, not a single thought of how they might achieve greatness, power, and position, at the expense of country, has ever suggested itself to their minds. There is only one other character known in profane history of whom the same thing can be truly said.

the Ohio or Cumberland, and his popularity dated from the day of Shiloh, where he, like Sheridan, led, not directed, his men. Rousseau loves fighting as much, and is as naturally a belligerent, as Sheridan, fights in the same style, with equal exposure of person, equal personal daring, and with equal effect. "Fighting Joe Hooker" received his title from the same predisposition for fighting. At the first sound of battle Hooker springs nimbly to his saddle, and is off into the field at the head of his men.

Sheridan goes into the heat of battle not from necessity merely. The first smell of powder arouses him, and he rushes to the front of the field. It is related of him that when the engage-Rousseau and Hooker are both men of large, ment of Winchester began he stood off a little to handsome, towering proportions, and have in the rear, as Grant would have done, and endeav- the field the advantage in that respect of Sheriored to calmly survey the field and direct the bat- dan. Logan is a man of Sheridan's own style tle. But it was not in his nature to remain pas-in build and appearance, and is the same darsive for a great while. When the fight warmed ing, enthusiastic, and vigorous fighter that Sherup and became general he could stand it no lon-idan is. "Black Jack," as Logan is called by ger, and, drawing his sword, he exclaimed, "By his men, in consequence of his very dark comGod! I can't stand this!" and rode into the heat plexion, resembles Sheridan also in the freedom of the engagement. with which he indulges in the most desperate and original of oaths.

Sheridan's appearance, like that of Grant, is apt to disappoint one who had not seen him previous to his having become famous. He has none of the qualities which are popularly at

"Little

The belligerent in Sheridan's organization is often aroused without the stimulus of the smell of gunpowder. In 1863, while Sheridan was encamped at Bridgeport, Alabama, he invited General George H. Thomas, then encamped at Deckerd, Tennessee, to examine the works erect-tributed by the imagination to heroes. ed at Bridgeport and the preparations going on Phil" is a title of endearment given him by for rebuilding the bridge. The writer, then at his soldiers in the West, and is descriptive of Deckerd, was invited to accompany the party his personal appearance. He is shorter than to Bridgeport, and did so. At one of the way- Grant, but somewhat stouter built, and being stations the train halted for an unusually long several years younger and of a different tempertime, and Sheridan, on asking the conductor, a ament, is more active and wiry. The smallness great, burly six-footer, the reason, met with a of his stature is soon forgotten when he is seen somewhat gruff reply. Sheridan contented him- mounted. He seems then to develop physically self with reproving his manner, and ordered as he does mentally after a short acquaintance. him to proceed with the train. The conductor Unlike many of our heroes, Sheridan does not did not reply, and failed to obey. After wait- dwindle as one approaches him. Distance lends ing for a time Sheridan sent for the conductor, neither his character nor personal appearance and demanded to know why he had not obeyed. any enchantment. He talks more frequently The fellow answered, in a gruff manner, that and more fluently than Grant does, and his he received his orders from the military super-quick and slightly nervous gestures partake intendent only. Without giving him time to somewhat of the manner of Sherman. His finish the insulting reply Sheridan struck him body is stout but wiry, and set on short, heavy, two or three rapid blows, kicked him from the but active legs. His broad shoulders, short, cars and into the hands of a guard, and then stiff hair, and the features of his face betray the ordered the train forward, acting as conductor Milesian descent; but no brogue can be traced on the down and return trip. After starting in his voice. His eyes are gray, and being the train he returned to his seat near General small are sharp and piercing and full of fire. Thomas, and, without referring to the subject, When maddened with excitement or passion resumed his conversation with that imperturba- these glare fearfully. His age is thirty-four, ble dignitary. but long service in the field has bronzed him into the appearance of forty.

Sheridan will always be prominent among
VOL. XXXI.-No. 183.-X

MA

JULIAN.

was within his easy reach, would sign to him to drive faster; and then turn invariably with shy, furtive glances at his mother, to see if she had observed his action, or to deprecate the expected rebuke. But the mother, though her eye was ever upon him, uttered no remonstrance; a sad, sweet smile alone answered his eager glances. She had evidently confidence enough in her driver to rest secure in his discretion, and she would not interrupt the enjoyment of the boy by a word or look of unnecessary prohibition.

When they had reached the entrance to the beach the carriage was stopped; the lady descended, and giving her orders to the man, dismissed him, and taking the boy by the hand, they went down to the water's edge, and walked together for some time up and down the sands of the beach; then the lady, whose languid motions bespoke an invalid, seated herself upon a rock, and permitted the child to play by himself, fixing her gaze upon him the while with loving, anxious assiduity.

"ANY of our readers will undoubtedly remember the dry, hot summer a few years ago, when the long-continued drought parched up the face of the country, and the green herb withered, and the scorched and blackened foliage of the trees shriveled and dropped in untimely maturity; when the water-courses were dried up, and the dull and panting cattle were driven weary miles to some fast-diminishing lake or pond or river-side to quench the daily and tormenting thirst; when still, day after day, the unclouded sun rose with fierce but melancholy brightness, till the earth became "as dust and ashes under our feet, and the heavens as brass above our heads;" till the wasted fields could no longer yield sustenance to flocks and herds, for which-possibly for the first time within the memory of living men-the anxious and despondent farmer, with sad forebodings, spread out upon the blackened summer pastures the scanty remaining store of the past winter's fodder, and turning his eyes from his burned fields She had sat thus watching the graceful, caand meagre cattle to the blazing heavens, saw in pricious movements of the child, and, lost in her the coming harvest-time only want and desola- own silent contemplations, was wholly uncontion instead of the fullness of increase. Then, scious of the lapse of time, when a loud, sudden too, the wrath of the incendiary, the careless- peal of thunder startled her from her reveries; ness of man, or the thoughtless folly of child- and turning her head, she saw with surprise hood, set fire to the dried and crackling herb- that the western heavens were black with clouds, age, and creeping along the dry land, the fast- and that the almost imperceptible withdrawal devouring flame, catching and spreading in the of sunlight, which she had hardly noticed, or, woods, leaped like a destroying angel from tree if seen, had imagined but the coming-on of evento tree, from forest to forest, unchecked and un-ing, was in reality the gathering portent of a tamable; until the sun's eye looked redly down coming thunder-shower. through the dim and smoky haze, and a smell of burning, and a faint, hot atmosphere, and heavy lurid clouds hung over town and country; and the luxurious pleasure-seekers rushed more eagerly than usual to the sea-side, craving even the sight of the liquid element and the grateful freshness of the sea-breezes, which had gathered moisture from its surface.

Recalling to mind the old adage, that "all signs fail in a dry time," Mrs. Arlingford did not feel much apprehension. Still she thought it safest to recall the child, who was now at some distance from her upon the beach, and turn their steps homeward. But she found this was no easy matter to do; for the child did not wish to return to the house, and as she walked rapidly toward him with beckoning hand, the little truant, who had evidently been unaccustomed to constraint or government, fled laughingly from her. This took her still farther up the beach, and when at last the merry little fugitive suffered himself to be captured, they had nearly a quarter of a mile of the sands over which to retrace their steps; and as they reached the gate. way giving them access to the high-road, large heavy drops of rain began slowly to fall.

Toward the close of one of those days of solemn splendor and melancholy brightness an open carriage, containing only a lady and child, leaving the crowded hotel of one of our fashionable watering-places, was driven down to the beach. The elder occupant of the carriage was a young and lovely woman, with the unmistakable air of a lady. She was richly and fashionably dressed, although still in widow's weeds, and bore upon her delicate features a look of fixed dejection and anxiety, which seemed to speak that the mourning which enshrouded her was not merely external. She reclined upon the back seat of the carriage; and kneeling upon the cushions of the front seat, in such a position as to command a view of the spirited horses, was a fair boy of possibly six years old. Unlike his companion, the child was gayly dressed in col-umphant words, "Hallelujah! hallelujah! for ors, yet there was too close a resemblance in their several features to permit a doubt that they were mother and child. Occasionally the pretty, playful boy would reach out his hand, and slyly pulling the sleeve of the coachman, which

Taking off her own light summer mantle to wrap it round her child, the mother hurried on as fast as her own delicate strength and the boy's short, childish steps would allow; and as the now thick-coming drops grew larger and heavier, she was questioning herself what she should do, or where find shelter, when the tri

the Lord God omnipotent raineth !" uttered in a high, loud key, and with a hearty intonation of devout thanksgiving, fell upon her ear; and looking up, she saw an old woman of the laboring class, neat but very humble in dress, who stood

"Oh! thank you; thank you," said Mrs. Arlingford, with natural and instinctive court-ant with children, on'y she won't allow nobody esy; "that will do very nicely; we are not very much wet, I believe, after all; that will do very well indeed; I am sorry to give you so much trouble. I hope we are not going to have much of a shower-what do you think?"

"You hope it isn't going to rain! For the massy sake! what are you thinking of?" said the old woman, suddenly stopping in her eager work of good-will; and drawing back, she re-burnt up; that the cattle-poor creters!-are garded the object of her friendly offices with a stern look of mingled wonder and disapprobation. "What on the face of the arth are you thinking of, woman? You hope it won't rain! | I hope in the massy of God it will rain-rain hard, and rain long. What in the world makes you say you hope it won't?"